Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.

My Lord: I have the honor to communicate a copy of a letter of the 28th ultimo, addressed to this department by the Secretary of War, and of the papers [Page CXXXI] to which it refers, relative to the case of John Hardcastle, a British subject, who, unfortunately, lost his life from a persistent disregard of the rules of the Old Capitol prison, where he was confined. The impression of this department is, that the subject, as now presented, relieves this government from further just accountability.

I have the honor to be, my lord, your very obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

To Lord Lyons.